Bulamu Healthcare International is celebrating a truly proud and defining moment as our board member, donor, and former CEO, Richard “Dick” Chandler, receives the University of Chicago’s prestigious Professional Achievement Award in Philanthropy.

This honor recognizes a lifetime of achievement, but for Bulamu, it also celebrates something deeply personal: a legacy of leadership that has transformed access to healthcare for underserved communities in Uganda.

When Dick joined Bulamu in 2017, the organization was a small but promising initiative. Through his bold vision, disciplined leadership, and unwavering belief in locally driven healthcare solutions, Bulamu experienced extraordinary growth, expanding its reach, strengthening its systems, and delivering life-saving care to hundreds of thousands of people.

Under his leadership, Bulamu scaled from a modest start-up NGO into a dynamic and impactful organization, providing free primary healthcare, reducing the surgical backlog, equipping health facilities, and investing in African health workers who are at the heart of the mission.

But beyond the numbers, Dick’s greatest contribution has been his belief in what Bulamu stands for: dignity in care, equity in access, and the power of strong systems to save lives.

This award is a celebration of that vision, and of the countless lives touched because of it.

We are deeply grateful for Dick’s continued commitment to Bulamu and immensely proud to see his work recognized on a global stage.

Congratulations, Richard Chandler. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.

Read the official announcement here:

• UChicago News Story
• UChicago Alumni Story